Potential New Problems With ACA Subsidies

A three judge panel ruled in federal court this morning that the government cannot dole out subsidies to those who obtained insurance on federally run Obamacare marketplaces.

36 states rely on such an arrangement, and that may make the Affordable Care Act unaffordable for many customers. Experts say that would be a major blow to the new health insurance system.

The Circuit Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia ruling was based on one sentence in the ACA, saying that the federal government will give subsidies to eligible consumers who buy insurance from an exchange "established by the state."

For all of its problems, Maryland does have a state run marketplace, so the ruling is not expected to be a big deal here.